[ii] Patent Number: 5,765,296 [45] Date of Patent: Jun. 16, 1998
2,274,085 2/1942 Mitulski 36/45
2,311,996 2/1943 Parker 36/51
2,591,211 4/1952 Spencer 36/2.5
3,388,486 6/1968 Diamant 36/58.5
4,270,285 6/1981 Antonious 36/50
4,676,011 6/1987 O'Rourke et al 36/89
5,060,402 10/1991 Rosen 36/97
5,377,430 1/1995 Hatfield et al 36/51
Primary Examiner—Paul T. Sewell
Assistant Examiner—Anthony Stashick
Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Senniger. Powers. Leavitt &
Roedel
[57] ABSTRACT
An exercise shoe is capable of adapting its fit while being worn. The shoe has a quarter which is split into an upper portion and a side portion on each side of the shoe. In the gap between the upper portion and each respective side portion is an elastic gore which will stretch to permit the upper portion and side portions to move apart from each other as the foot moves during exercise or should the foot swell while being worn. A comfortable fit may be maintained without manipulating the shoelaces. The elastic gore has a substantial resiliency to pull the upper and side portions of the quarter back together as the foot contracts to maintain a secure fit.
13 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
